Hartley, a former police officer in Athens, Ohio, and an US Army vet with 27 years under his belt, said that when he returned from Afghanistan in 2012, he began looking for a business he could own and operate.

“I was looking for a different franchise,” he added. “I worked through FranChoice and they matched me up with three potential franchises.

“Fish looked to be the best of the three because of three things: the simplicity of its system, the low overhead, and a very needed service.”

Fish Window Cleaning has been around since 1978 and has 230 franchises around the country.

To prepare for the new business, Hartley completed multiple weeks of training in the Xenia area and at Fish Window Cleaning headquarters in St. Louis, Mo. He is currently hiring and accepting applications.

“I am committed to providing quality service and 100 percent satisfaction that FISH customers have come to expect,” said Hartley. “I look forward to meeting my residential and commercial neighbors and becoming the top, reliable provider for window cleaning needs.

“So far, I’ve found everyone extremely friendly and I’ve met some great people,” he continued. “I have not had a single business turn me away and not let me write a free estimate.”

Nathan Merrick, vice president of franchise development, said that franchise owners get the opportunity to learn from the company’s 35 years of experience and business knowledge.

“FISH offers proven methods, training, a nationally recognizable business name, and uniformity,” Merrick said. “Shane’s vast business experience partnered with his passion and enthusiasm is sure to make his business successful.”

Hartley is providing his services for commercial and residential customers in East Dayton, Beavercreek, Fairborn, Kettering and Xenia.

“My region is pretty much from I-75 east, to Fairborn in the north and south almost to where I-75 and I-675 come together,” he said.

Hartley said he currently has a staff of two and is looking to expand.

“I am hiring,” he said. “I’ve posted all over. I need two additional employees for going on runs, and I also need a salesperson.”